Wolverhampton Wanderers’ hopes of reaching the play-offs were dashed on the final day of the season as they missed out on goal difference, despite beating Plymouth Argyle courtesy of a late strike from Seyi Olofinjana.

Before the action began, Wolves knew their chances of snatching the last play-off spot were slim as they required Watford and Crystal Palace to slip up. As it turned out, no favours were handed to Mick McCarthy’s men, who finished the season two goals off the play-offs.

The fact that Wanderers have only scored 53 goals in 46 games is a clear indication of where the problem has been. "We are ruing a missed opportunity," McCarthy said. "We had loads of chances but have not been able to score three goals, but then we haven’t done that too often. It is bizarre because we have won yet everyone feels deflated. It isn’t today that the opportunity has been missed, it is over the season. We haven’t put the ball in the net often enough."

Wolves started the game like a side with nothing to lose, and they bombarded Plymouth with wave after wave of attacks but, as has been the case for the majority of the season, the final pass or cross was found wanting.

Wanderers’ urgency was encapsulated in captain Gary Breen, who was striding out of defence like Franz Beckenbauer early on, but Argyle defended stoutly and despite all their possession Luke McCormick in the Pilgrims goal didn’t have to make a save of any note.

Krisztian Timar, who was later stretchered off with a serious head injury, was forced to head away after a surging run and cross from Matt Jarvis after just five minutes and after another sweeping move, Michael Kightly's shot struck the side netting.

Paul Sturrock’s side only broke the constant Wolves pressure with sporadic attacks on the break and Wanderers were given a let-off in the 28th minute when Jermaine Easter broke clear but was flagged off-side, much to the annoyance of the Plymouth bench.

The best chance fell Wolves’ way in the 45th minute after Olofinjana produced a great piece of skill to wriggle to the by-line and his pull back fell to Andy Keogh but the Irishman missed the ball with the goal at his mercy.

It was more of the same at the start of the second half and Wolves were buoyed by news that Watford were losing at Blackpool. But from needing one goal, they needed three as news of a Watford equaliser filtered through.

The frustration turned to delight, and then the realisation of the situation set in as the fans let the players know exactly what was now required of them. The chant went up ’we need to score two more’ and Wanderers surged forward but could not answer the call.